Airline merger talks focus on role of American's CEO

American Airlines' new logo appears Tuesday in Chicago. American's CEO could be chairman of the merged carriers, with US Airways' Doug Parker as CEO.

DALLAS - The CEO of American Airlines parent AMR Corp. is in talks about becoming chairman if his company merges with US Airways.

That's according to a report in The Wall Street Journal, and it adds to indications that a deal between the two airlines could be close.

The Journal reported Tuesday that people familiar with the matter say AMR Chairman and CEO Thomas Horton's future in a merged airline is still in flux, however. He could wind up in some other role such as vice chairman, if there is a merger.

US Airways Group has proposed that its chairman and CEO, Doug Parker, run the combined company, which would rival United as the world's biggest airline.